CMS Energy (CMS) vs NorthWestern Energy Group (NWE)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
NorthWestern Energy Group (NWE) has outperformed CMS Energy (CMS) over the past year, gaining 25.6% versus a loss of 11.8%. Over five years, NWE leads with a +29.4% price change compared with +7.9% for CMS. CMS Energy is the larger company by market cap ($20.40 billion vs $4.55 billion), about 4.5 times the size.
On valuation, CMS Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (15.7x vs 18.7x for NorthWestern Energy Group). NorthWestern Energy Group offers the higher dividend yield (3.60% vs 3.42%). CMS Energy converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 12.5% versus 11.2%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CMS | NWE |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $65.07 | $73.97 |
| Market cap | $20.40B | $4.55B |
| 1-day change | 0.00% | +7.33% |
| YTD return | -6.95% | +14.61% |
| 1-year return | -11.78% | +25.61% |
| 5-year return | +7.91% | +29.41% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 19.54 | 24.91 |
| Forward P/E | 15.66 | 18.68 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.33 | $2.97 |
| Dividend yield | 3.42% | 3.60% |
| Annual dividend | $2.23 | $2.66 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $8.54B | $1.61B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +13.63% | +6.38% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.07B | $181.09M |
| Operating margin | 20.22% | 20.23% |
| Net margin | 12.54% | 11.24% |
| 52-week high | $80.36 | $76.00 |
| 52-week low | $62.29 | $57.12 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -19.03% | -2.67% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +19.23% | -1.65% |
| Average volume | 3.70M | 413.61K |
| Shares outstanding | 313.58M | 61.52M |
| Employees | 8,350 | 1,667 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Power Generation | Power Generation |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- CMS Energy is about 4.5 times larger than NorthWestern Energy Group by market value ($20.40B vs $4.55B).
- NWE has outperformed CMS by 37.4 percentage points over the past year.
- NorthWestern Energy Group trades at a higher earnings multiple (24.9x vs 19.5x trailing P/E).
- CMS Energy grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+13.63% vs +6.38%).
About CMS Energy
CMS stock →CMS Energy Corporation operates as an energy company primarily in Michigan. The company operates through three segments: Electric Utility; Gas Utility; and NorthStar Clean Energy.
Utilities · Power Generation · 8,350 employees
About NorthWestern Energy Group
NWE stock →NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc., doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and diversified industrial customers. It generates, purchases, transmits, and distributes electricity; and produces, purchases, stores, transmits, and distributes natural gas, as well as owns municipal franchises to provide natural gas service in the communities.
Utilities · Power Generation · 1,667 employees
CMS vs NWE FAQ
Which is bigger, CMS Energy or NorthWestern Energy Group?
CMS Energy (CMS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $20.40B compared with $4.55B for NorthWestern Energy Group (NWE).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CMS or NWE?
NWE returned +25.61% over the past 12 months, compared with -11.78% for CMS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CMS or NWE?
CMS has the lower trailing P/E at 19.5, versus 24.9 for NWE. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, CMS Energy or NorthWestern Energy Group?
NorthWestern Energy Group has the higher yield at 3.60%, compared with 3.42% for CMS Energy.
Are CMS Energy and NorthWestern Energy Group in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Power Generation industry within the Utilities sector.